Credit Card Resolutions -Take a lesson from the Amish

Serious problems face our nation today and I sometimes have taken either a rather hard line or even dared make a joke. Hard line or joke, there is no good way to address the issues sooner or later we all must face.

I read all the articles and blogs written about credit cards, so when I came across one written about the Amish and credit cards, I immediately looked to poke fun. Hey, I can do it. I was born and raised in Amish country. But then I started to read the article and realized there is something the Amish can teach us “English”.

Yes, Amish use credit cards for business and personal use and they do so without tampering with the quality of their beliefs and their lives. For example, The Amish don’t use electricity to process credit card purchases, yet they are more efficient using solar or wind panels to generate their credit machines. Wow, can it be? The Amish are more progressive then the English by using “Green” technology to process charges.

As consumers with credit, the Amish use for only large purchases they cannot afford to pay with cash. They make their purchase and then pay down until paid off. They do not use credit cards for small purchases such as buttons for their modest attire. For many “English” credit cards spending can be obsessive. We are tempted and lured by advertisements and marketing.

The main thing we can learn from the Amish is to appreciate the simplicity of life. Do we really need all the things we spend money. And then I realized the Amish could help us with financial New Year’s Resolutions.

1. Live simply, not “Live Richly.” Spend within our means
2. Use cash, and only spend on credit when needed.
3. Spend money wisely. Pay off large purchases, before buying another.
4. Invest in yourself.
5. Share with neighbors and friends.

Sometimes it seems the problems are so extreme. We need to read books, listen to pundits for cures to our financial woes. Perhaps our problems are just this simple. I guarantee, if you moderate use of credit cards, spend within your means and start paying down debt (more than the minimum due) not only will you find yourself without debt, you will be happier because you have found a greater value of life.